Laura Modi

Laura Modi, CEO and co-founder of Bobbie, shares her unique journey as a leader in the infant formula industry. She reveals pivotal lessons from her time at Airbnb, emphasizing the importance of culture and personal connections. Modi discusses prioritizing existing customers during the formula shortage and the balance between rapid growth and sustainable practices. She highlights the creativity that comes from naivete, innovative hiring strategies, and the vital role of branding in building a successful direct-to-consumer business.

John Boyd, Founder & President of the National Black Farmers Association, shares the hurdles U.S. farmers face, from market fluctuations to government policies. He highlights the need for equity in agriculture, especially for marginalized farmers. Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie, discusses the Made in America Act for infant formula, touching on legislative impacts and industry challenges. Both guests provide insights into the broader implications of equity and innovation in their fields.

Laura Modi, co-founder and CEO of Bobbie, shares insights on the stark differences between American and European infant formula standards. She emphasizes the need for transparency in formula ingredients and advocates for acceptance of diverse feeding choices. Laura candidly discusses the societal pressures new mothers face and the emotional toll of parenting decisions. She also reveals the darker side of unhealthy ingredient sourcing in formula manufacture and calls for higher industry standards to support parents in their journey.

Dianne Chipps Bailey, National Philanthropic Executive at Bank of America Private Bank, explores the evolving trends in charitable giving, especially among wealthy households, emphasizing shifts towards essential needs post-pandemic. Laura Modi, CEO of Bobbie, discusses the challenges of inflation on her pediatric nutrition company and shares innovative pricing strategies to keep healthy baby food accessible. Both guests highlight the importance of adapting to market dynamics and fostering community support during uncertain times.

Jeffrey Cleveland, Chief Economist at Payden & Rygel, provides insights on the U.S. economy, highlighting a muted inflation outlook and the impact of tariffs on growth. Meanwhile, Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie, discusses the Infant Formula Made in America Act aimed at boosting local production. She addresses the challenges in pediatric nutrition and the necessity for diverse leadership in the industry. Together, they explore the economic implications of recent events and the evolving landscape of infant nutrition.